The minipill should be started on the first day of menses, and a back-up method must be used for the first 7 days. The pill should be keyed to a daily event to ensure regular administration at the same time of the day. If pills are forgotten or gastrointestinal illness impairs absorption, the minipill should be resumed as soon as possible, and a back-up method should be used immediately and until the pills have been resumed for at least 2 days. If 2 or any more pills are missed in a row and there is no menstrual bleeding in 4-6 weeks, a pregnancy test should be obtained. If any more than 3 hours late in taking a pill, a back-up method should be used for 48 hours.